Sunday 24th September 2017 was the date for the annual Chiltern Rally and road run of the Standard Motor Club. It was a beautiful, warm September day and the great weather encouraged our Standard friends to come out and join us at the Blacksmith’s Arms, a Harvester restaurant near High Wycombe. At 2.15 we set off on our route through the countryside in the Thames valley, venturing south of the river and back again along quiet roads. At 3.30 we arrived at our destination, Bekonscot Model Village and Railway, Beaconsfield. A very friendly chap helped us park our cars, he was later seen supervising the passengers on the little train. We had a short presentation gathering, and this year we awarded the Chiltern Cup to Peter Pearce who was driving a Vanguard II.

Club members taking part:

Lynda and Phil Homer in a Flying 12 DHC, Mick and Pam Maguire in a Standard 10, John and Rachel Maxwell with a Triumph 2000, Hilary and Norman Wright in a Morris Minor Convertible Brian and Betty Parkes in a Standard 10, Pat and Mike Beavis in a Stag, David Over in a Sierra, Paul Newsome in a Peugeot, Michael and Veronica Madden in a Standard 10, John Russell and Sheila Sewell in a Ford, Peter Pearce and three companions in a Vanguard II. We were also joined by Richard Dorling and family in a Vauxhall Cavalier Convertible and a classic Mini. Richard has come to lots of our events.

The model village is really fun, there’s much to observe which makes you smile, for example the shops have witty names such as A Jerry, Builder, and W.E. Rookham, Boat Hire, or Hake and Payne, Pharmacy. We had a ride on the little train and enjoyed ice creams and teas, and the consensus was “a perfect day out with the Standard Motor Club.”

God willing, we will organise another Chiltern Rally next year on the third Sunday of September. Keep an eye out for details in the magazine and on the website.